Essential #1 : inquiry-based science develops an understanding of basic concepts -- Essential #2 : inquiry-based science develops process and thinking skills -- Essential #3 : inquiry-based science actively engages students in a learning cycle -- Essential #4 : inquiry-based science builds a greater understanding of the ways that science, technology, and society (STS) are linked -- Essential #5 : inquiry-based science provides experiences necessary to support and develop or modify interpretations of the world -- Essential #6 : inquiry-based science enhances reading and writing skills -- Essential #7 : inquiry-based science allows for a diversity of strategies for learning -- Essential #8 : inquiry-based science allows for a variety of ways for students to show what they know and are able to do -- Using the eight essentials to enhance learning.